As the founder and CEO of The Moneypenny Collective, Marcy Moneypenny has built her career on challenging conventions and advocating for women to seize their full potential in commercial real estate. Soon to take the stage at GlobeSt.com’s Women of Influence conference, Moneypenny brings a clear message: the industry needs boldness, preparation, and genuine support for women to thrive.
Moneypenny is quick to point out that urging on the side of caution is not a recipe for success. In her view, “playing it safe can only take you as far as ordinary.” She encourages women in commercial real estate to move beyond compliance and instead adopt a bold and unstoppable mindset. For her, actual progress happens when women give themselves permission to move past simply “doing it right” and instead aim to transform the industry.
A key part of this transformation, Moneypenny believes, is understanding the real mechanics of advancement. She is candid about the fact that commercial real estate is not a pure meritocracy—hard work alone is rarely enough to get noticed. While mentors offer valuable guidance, Moneypenny stresses that sponsors are essential. Sponsors are those who actively advocate for women, using their own influence and social capital to open doors. She insists that women need sponsors in various rooms and meetings, people who will champion their talents and ensure they are considered for new opportunities.
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Professional development is another area where Moneypenny urges women to invest, likening it to any other important investment. She recommends taking courses and pursuing thought leadership opportunities, emphasizing that these efforts pay dividends over time. But she also encourages women to ask their firms to support their growth, offering practical advice on how to make that request and secure the backing they need.
When it comes to lead generation, Moneypenny is adamant that preparation is fundamental. She is critical of the “dialing for dollars” approach, which she sees as inefficient without proper homework, a clear plan and accurate data. Whether the goal is selling buildings or leasing space, she believes that professionals must come armed with information and a defined objective to deliver real expertise and make meaningful progress.
Finally, Moneypenny is a strong advocate for women-centric industry events. She views conferences like the Women of Influence gathering as essential, noting that they offer a unique dynamic and a focused agenda. These events, she says, generate excitement and enthusiasm that foster connection and collaboration. They provide a space for women to celebrate each other’s achievements and differences, network and return to their work energized and ready to make an impact.
Moneypenny continues to inspire women in commercial real estate to be bold, seek out sponsors, invest in themselves, and build meaningful connections. Her presence at the upcoming Women of Influence conference promises to be a highlight for those looking to advance and make a difference in the industry.
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Erika Morphy
Erika Morphy has been writing about commercial real estate at GlobeSt.com for more than ten years, covering the capital markets, the Mid-Atlantic region and national topics. She's a nerd so favorite examples of the former include accounting standards, Basel III and what Congress is brewing.
